Walking holidays in the Channel Islands

Walking in Alderney is a magical experience. Popular with those travelling alone, as well as couples and families; this Channel Island offers independent walkers so much to explore.

Walking holidays in Alderney give you the chance to explore its wide open landscapes, green pastures and rugged cliffs. Although the island is just 3½ miles (5km) by 1½ miles (3km) at its widest point, it boasts over 50 miles (80km) of winding lanes and country paths, covering every part of the island from the main town through to the commons and the coast. Coastal walks, along paths and over beaches, meander around the island.

On foot you can explore fascinating historical sitesand unique wildlife habitats. Walking on Alderney is amazingly relaxing. Just what you expect from a holiday in the Channel Islands! The lanes are exceptionally quiet, with very little traffic beyond the town, and the speed limit outside the town is just 35mph (56kph). So there’s no noise, no fumes and no road rage just you and the open road or path.

Alderney’s unspoilt natural environment is a true feast for the senses. In spring, walk through the peaceful wooded valleys filled with a profusion of blackthorn and elder blossom, while the coastal heathlands are covered with yellow, coconut-scented gorse. By summer, the coastal tracks are alive with thousands of wild flowers of every shape and colour. During the autumn and winter, the Channel Islands’ mild climate is perfect for walking breaks.

Guided Walking Tour:

Town Walk: A tour of the hidden aspects of St. Anne including access to the Court of Alderney and St. Anne’s Church. An easy walk for anyone, taking around 1.5-2hrs. Every Monday at 2pm from the Visitor Information centre, £6 adults / £3 child.

Bats & Hedgehog Walk: This walk is your chance to discover so much more about the nocturnal world surrounding you. Using bat detectors the group will firstly go in search of bats, especially the Common and Soprano Pipistrelles which at just 3.5″ long and with a wingspan of just 9″ are Britain’s smallest bat. Your guide will give an insight into the life of bats, how they hunt and their feeding cycles. You will also learn the story of Alderney’s blonde hedgehogs, the only breeding population of ‘blonde’ hedgehogs anywhere in the world. An ideal walk for young and old, lasting around 1.5hrs. Every Thursday at sunset from the Alderney Wildlife Trust office, £6 adults / £3 child.

Out of the season, the schedule for these walks is dependent upon demand so please call 0044 (0)1481 822935 for details.

Let’s walk together:

Sunday walks in Alderney: Walking for Health organise a 30 minutes walk every week to keep fit and socialise around a cup of tea. There are three alternative routes providing a choice depending on the weather. Route number one is a pretty and pleasant walk around the harbour. The other two walks are slightly more challenging. All of them start at 2.45pm at Braye Common and finishing at the Braye Beach Hotel for tea or coffee.

Please contact Julia Hetherton on 01481 822034 or Helen Martin on 07781 435905 for more information.

Choose your own path:

On Alderney, it is easy to choose your own path. You can plan your own route or you can download the suggested walks below.